The Common Greenshank, Tringa nebularia, presents itself as a graceful wader from the extensive Scolopacidae family. Its name, derived from the Neo-Latin term for the green sandpiper and the Latin for "mist," alludes to its marshy dwellings. In breeding plumage, it dons a brown attire, while in winter, it adopts a more subdued grey-brown. Notably larger than its cousin, the Common Redshank, it boasts long greenish legs and a long bill with a grey base, which appears upturned when the bird is in water.
Upon sighting, one may observe the white wedge on its back during flight. The bill's shape is distinctive, and its size is a helpful indicator, being somewhat larger than the Common Redshank. The bird's call, a rapid succession of three short fluty notes, can be transcribed as "teu-teu-teu."
The Common Greenshank favors dry ground adjacent to marshy areas for breeding, indicative of its preference for damp environments.
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A subarctic species, the Common Greenshank breeds from northern Scotland, spreading east across northern Europe and the Palearctic. It is migratory, seeking winter refuge in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Australasia, typically near freshwater.
This bird is migratory, breeding on dry ground near marshy areas and laying about four eggs in a ground scrape.
The bird's vocalizations consist of a series of three short fluty notes, which can be heard as "teu-teu-teu."
The Common Greenshank nests on dry ground in proximity to marshes, where it lays approximately four eggs in a simple ground scrape.
The Marsh Sandpiper may appear similar when the Common Greenshank is in water, but the latter's bill shape is a distinguishing feature.
The diet of the Common Greenshank includes small invertebrates, and it will opportunistically consume small fish and amphibians.
The IUCN lists the Common Greenshank as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, under the Australian EPBC Act, it was listed as Endangered in 2024. It is also a subject of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Grey-brown back, silvery-white belly, dark streaks on breast (breeding), long green legs, long bill slightly upturned and dark at the tip.
Size: About 30-35 cm long with a wingspan of 55-69 cm.
Flight: Clipped wingbeats, zigzag flight, with toes extending past the tail; white wedge on rump visible.
Behavior & Diet
Feeding: Hunts by sight in shallow water, eating worms, snails, crustaceans, insects, and small fish.
Social: Often solitary or in small, wary groups, described as nervous and excitable.
Vocalization: Calls include a clear, ringing "tew" or "tyu," and complex songs during breeding.
Habitat & Migration
Breeding: Bogs, moors, and edges of northern forests (e.g., Scotland, Northern Europe).
Wintering/Migration: Coastal mudflats, estuaries, and inland freshwater wetlands worldwide.
Migration: A passage migrant, visiting UK and other areas during migration and winter.
